Comparing Biopsychosocial theory and Solution Focused Brief
Therapy is like comparing apples and oranges. The former is a theoretic
approach, whereas the latter is a practical approach. The two are not entirely
mutually exclusive but they two present two very different ways of addressing
mental health issues.

Biopsychosocial theory states that biological,
psychological, and social factors all play a role in the functioning of the
human brain. In laymen’s terms, this is often referred to as the “mind-body
connection.” This theory has a wide range of applications. It is used in many fields,
from internal medicine to psychology.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy, on the other hand, is a
practical approach to client therapy. The approach is goal-directed and
collaborative. The approach involves close observation of client reactions to
specific and carefully constructed questions. Unlike many other therapeutic
approaches, this approach is focused mostly on the clients needs and desires
for the present and future, with very little focus on the past.

The most significant difference between these two approaches
is the time focus. Biopsychosocial theory would prompt a therapist to research the
client’s past in order to determine which biological, psychological, and social
factors are in play. A therapist using SF, however, would not be concerned with
the past. He would only ask questions about how the client’s issues can be
fixed, not how they arose in the first place. Essentially, Biopsychosocial Theory
is focused more on identifying the issue, whereas SF Therapy is focused more on
solving it.

Because this was a prepaid
$1 “easy” question, I was unable to answer it completely. Tutors are
only given 20 minutes for prepaid questions. I hope this was of some help!

Please feel free to follow up. If you would like to post this in the paid
section, I can answer it more fully, with examples and a conclusion, including a preference between the two theories.

Apr 9th, 2015

Are you studying on the go? Check out our FREE app and post questions on the fly!